This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2021/feb/26/uk-covid-live-news-coronavirus-vaccine-boris-johnson-latest-updates
The article has changed 14 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 7 | Version 8 |
|---|---|
| UK Covid live news: 8,523 new cases; police, prison and teaching unions criticise age-based vaccinations | |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| Latest updates: UK also reports 345 further deaths; unions dismayed that profession won’t be taken into account | |
| Boris Johnson’s decision to include dates in his proposed roadmap out of the third lockdown in England is a “dangerous strategy” that risks undermining adherence to Covid-19 rules, behavioural scientists have said. | |
| The prime minister’s message that government policy around reopening would be guided by “data, not dates” could be overshadowed by the use of dates in the roadmap, said Stephen Reicher, a professor of social psychology at the University of St Andrews and a member of SPI-B, the behavioural science subgroup of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage). | |
| “Data not dates has turned into dates not data,” said Reicher, who added that the choice of Midsummer Day for a possible return to normality was “incredibly powerful symbolic messaging”. “Because, whatever you say, once you announce clear dates you create facts on the ground which alter the reality, and create a situation [where] it’s very difficult to shift from those dates,” he said. | |
| More on this story here: | |
| Behavioural scientists advising the government have warned that without a clear communication campaign, the rollout of vaccines may lead people to flout Covid restrictions before they are lifted. | |
| The researchers fear adherence to the guidelines could fall among the vaccinated, but also among those who believe there is no longer a major risk to older and more vulnerable people, as the vaccination programme proceeds. | |
| The warning appears in a document released on Friday from the behavioural science subgroup of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) which goes on to stress that the introduction of immunity certificates could complicate messaging and exacerbate community tensions as the country emerges from lockdown. | |
| In the paper, dated 10 February, the scientists describe how perceptions of the threat from Covid may differ as vaccination targets are reached, with some no longer feeling they should have restrictions imposed on them. “Grievances could be amplified if those vaccinated are provided with some sort of certification, enabling them to escape local restrictions,” they note. | |
| The document goes on to stress the importance of managing expectations for the year ahead. An ONS Opinion and Lifestyle survey found that 17% of adults expect life to return to normal in six months or less, a scenario described as “optimistic” given the latest modelling, even without the emergence of new variants that may call for “sudden, strict reimposition of measures.” | |
| “Setting realistic expectations as to the likely duration of, pattern of and reason for continuing or suddenly imposed restrictions may help people to plan, improve their understanding of the efficacy of interventions and improve the perceived legitimacy of interventions,” the document adds. | |
| Another Sage document released on Friday describes the latest projections for the epidemic. Written by outbreak modellers advising Sage, the report anticipates hospitalisations in England falling below 500 per day, and deaths below 200 per day, by mid-March, figures last seen in October. On Friday, the UK recorded a further 345 Covid deaths within 28 days of a positive test, 300 of which were in England. | |
| The latest Covid figures for the UK have now been uploaded onto the government’s dashboard. | |
| Here are the key statistics: | |
| The UK has recorded 345 further deaths. That is slightly up from yesterday, which was 323. The total number of deaths for the past seven days is down 31.3% on the total for the previous week. | |
| The UK has recorded 8,523 more cases. That is a drop from yesterday (9,985) and is the fifth day this year the reported total has been below 10,000. New cases are down 16.8% from last week. | |
| Sainsbury’s and Argos workers are to receive a third pandemic bonus and a pay increase of more than 2% to match the real living wage outside London, as supermarket sales continue to boom during the high street lockdown. | |
| Minimum hourly pay for Argos workers outside London will rise from £9.00 to £9.50 from March, and from £9.30 to £9.50 for Sainsbury’s staff. Pay for Sainsbury’s staff in central London will rise from £9.90 to £10.10, still short of the independently calculated living wage of £10.85. | |
| Sainsbury’s, which has owned Argos since 2016, said staff working in stores, call centres and its delivery network would also be given a bonus worth 3% of pay, or about £530 for a full-time worker, after two bonus payments last year. | |
| The bonuses come after a demanding year for supermarket staff, with stores much busier than usual because cafes, restaurants and many takeaways have been closed. | |
| Read more on this story here: | |
| A further 307 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England, NHS England said on Friday. | A further 307 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England, NHS England said on Friday. |
| This brings the total number of confirmed deaths reported in hospitals to 82,717. | This brings the total number of confirmed deaths reported in hospitals to 82,717. |
| Patients were aged between 34 and 100. All except nine, aged between 60 and 94, had known underlying health conditions. | Patients were aged between 34 and 100. All except nine, aged between 60 and 94, had known underlying health conditions. |
| A total of 16,785,841 Covid-19 vaccinations took place in England between 8 December and 25 February, according to provisional NHS England data, including first and second doses, which is a rise of 448,280 on the previous day’s figures. | |
| Of this number, 16,227,104 were the first dose of a vaccine, a rise of 432,112 on the previous day, while 558,737 were a second dose, an increase of 16,168. | Of this number, 16,227,104 were the first dose of a vaccine, a rise of 432,112 on the previous day, while 558,737 were a second dose, an increase of 16,168. |
| Health Secretary Matt Hancock will lead today’s press conference, Downing Street has confirmed. | Health Secretary Matt Hancock will lead today’s press conference, Downing Street has confirmed. |
| He will be joined by England’s deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam and Dr Susan Hopkins, senior medical adviser at Public Health England. | He will be joined by England’s deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam and Dr Susan Hopkins, senior medical adviser at Public Health England. |
| Just a note to say this is Nicola Slawson typing again. Please do share your thoughts or questions with me: | Just a note to say this is Nicola Slawson typing again. Please do share your thoughts or questions with me: |
| Twitter: @Nicola_SlawsonInstagram: @Nicola_SlawsonEmail: nicola.slawson@theguardian.com | Twitter: @Nicola_SlawsonInstagram: @Nicola_SlawsonEmail: nicola.slawson@theguardian.com |
| Unions representing police, prison officers and teachers have expressed dismay at the decision to base the next stage of the coronavirus vaccination programme purely on age, with no account taken for people’s profession. | Unions representing police, prison officers and teachers have expressed dismay at the decision to base the next stage of the coronavirus vaccination programme purely on age, with no account taken for people’s profession. |
| The recommendation of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), endorsed by the government, means people over 40 will be the next group to be prioritised once those in phase 1 of the rollout, aimed at older and more vulnerable people, have been offered at least one dose of the vaccine. | The recommendation of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), endorsed by the government, means people over 40 will be the next group to be prioritised once those in phase 1 of the rollout, aimed at older and more vulnerable people, have been offered at least one dose of the vaccine. |
| Vaccination will then proceed down the age groups, with those aged 30-39 next in line, followed by everyone aged 18-29. The timetable is to complete phase 1 by the end of April, with all adults offered at least one dose by the end of July. | Vaccination will then proceed down the age groups, with those aged 30-39 next in line, followed by everyone aged 18-29. The timetable is to complete phase 1 by the end of April, with all adults offered at least one dose by the end of July. |
| Read the full story by my colleagues Linda Geddes and Peter Walker: | Read the full story by my colleagues Linda Geddes and Peter Walker: |
| Festival organisers are calling for government-backed insurance in case events have to be cancelled last minute, ahead of chancellor Rishi Sunak’s budget announcement next week. | Festival organisers are calling for government-backed insurance in case events have to be cancelled last minute, ahead of chancellor Rishi Sunak’s budget announcement next week. |
| Paul Reed, chief executive of the Association of Independent Festivals, said: “Insurance is more critical than ever and it is something we have been pushing for as a sector for many months. We welcome the roadmap, but the 2021 festival season is not guaranteed. There is still a chance of cancellations.” | Paul Reed, chief executive of the Association of Independent Festivals, said: “Insurance is more critical than ever and it is something we have been pushing for as a sector for many months. We welcome the roadmap, but the 2021 festival season is not guaranteed. There is still a chance of cancellations.” |
| He said it was an “enormous risk” for independent businesses to go forward without insurance, as the cost of staging an event was about £6m. “There are essential costs to be met for it to get signed off. It is not just about artist or production deposits, where there may be flexibility, but there are essential costs like medical provision,” he said. | He said it was an “enormous risk” for independent businesses to go forward without insurance, as the cost of staging an event was about £6m. “There are essential costs to be met for it to get signed off. It is not just about artist or production deposits, where there may be flexibility, but there are essential costs like medical provision,” he said. |
| It comes as festival organisers are enjoying record ticket sales after the government’s announcement of its roadmap out of lockdown in England, as punters prepare to “make up for lost time” despite uncertainty over what state support exists if last-minute cancellations have to take place. | It comes as festival organisers are enjoying record ticket sales after the government’s announcement of its roadmap out of lockdown in England, as punters prepare to “make up for lost time” despite uncertainty over what state support exists if last-minute cancellations have to take place. |
| Monday’s announcement triggered a 600% rise in traffic to Ticketmaster this week, said the managing director of the site’s UK wing, Andrew Parsons, and there was no sign of it slowing down. | Monday’s announcement triggered a 600% rise in traffic to Ticketmaster this week, said the managing director of the site’s UK wing, Andrew Parsons, and there was no sign of it slowing down. |
| Sacha Lord, the co-founder of Parklife festival and the Warehouse Project, and night-time economy adviser for Greater Manchester said: “Let’s follow in the footsteps of other countries, where there is an insurance indemnity policy. We are not expecting a free handout and we will pay a small percentage of the turnover figure. Putting a festival on is hard without insurance in place, that is why Glastonbury cancelled.” | Sacha Lord, the co-founder of Parklife festival and the Warehouse Project, and night-time economy adviser for Greater Manchester said: “Let’s follow in the footsteps of other countries, where there is an insurance indemnity policy. We are not expecting a free handout and we will pay a small percentage of the turnover figure. Putting a festival on is hard without insurance in place, that is why Glastonbury cancelled.” |
| Lord said he was expecting news on insurance at Rishi Sunak’s next budget on 3 March. “This coming Wednesday is the most critical day of my 26-year career. For those who work behind the scenes, it will be make or break. They need hope.” | Lord said he was expecting news on insurance at Rishi Sunak’s next budget on 3 March. “This coming Wednesday is the most critical day of my 26-year career. For those who work behind the scenes, it will be make or break. They need hope.” |
| Hello, I am taking over the blog while my colleague takes a short break. Please get in touch to share comments or news tips. | Hello, I am taking over the blog while my colleague takes a short break. Please get in touch to share comments or news tips. |
| Twitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.com | Twitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.com |
| A leading blood cancer charity has said it is “hard to accept” that those who live with clinically extremely vulnerable people will not be prioritised in the next phase of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout. | A leading blood cancer charity has said it is “hard to accept” that those who live with clinically extremely vulnerable people will not be prioritised in the next phase of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout. |
| There are 230,000 people with blood cancer in the UK who are in the “clinically extremely vulnerable” group, and blood cancer increases your risk from Covid by more than almost any other health condition. | There are 230,000 people with blood cancer in the UK who are in the “clinically extremely vulnerable” group, and blood cancer increases your risk from Covid by more than almost any other health condition. |
| Many of them are anxious about their household members bringing the virus into the home, and so vaccinating the people they live with is important for protecting them, the charity said. | Many of them are anxious about their household members bringing the virus into the home, and so vaccinating the people they live with is important for protecting them, the charity said. |
| Gemma Peters, chief executive of Blood Cancer UK, said: | Gemma Peters, chief executive of Blood Cancer UK, said: |
| She added that it was difficult to avoid the conclusion that by refusing to act in the absence of absolute certainty about transmission, the JCVI have “made a bad decision that will needlessly put the lives of people with blood cancer at risk”. | She added that it was difficult to avoid the conclusion that by refusing to act in the absence of absolute certainty about transmission, the JCVI have “made a bad decision that will needlessly put the lives of people with blood cancer at risk”. |
| The R number across the UK has not changed since last week and is still between 0.6 and 0.9, according to the latest government figures. | The R number across the UK has not changed since last week and is still between 0.6 and 0.9, according to the latest government figures. |
| The R value – the coronavirus reproduction number – represents the average number of people each person with Covid-19 goes on to infect. | The R value – the coronavirus reproduction number – represents the average number of people each person with Covid-19 goes on to infect. |
| A figure below 1 implies the epidemic is shrinking. | A figure below 1 implies the epidemic is shrinking. |
| An R number between 0.6 and 0.9 means that, on average, every 10 people infected will infect between six and nine further people. | An R number between 0.6 and 0.9 means that, on average, every 10 people infected will infect between six and nine further people. |
| The lower end of the UK’s coronavirus R estimate is 0.6 – which is the lowest R range seen since the government first started publishing the figures in May 2020. | The lower end of the UK’s coronavirus R estimate is 0.6 – which is the lowest R range seen since the government first started publishing the figures in May 2020. |
| New cases of coronavirus continued to fall across the UK in the week ending 19 February, according to the Office for National Statistics. | New cases of coronavirus continued to fall across the UK in the week ending 19 February, according to the Office for National Statistics. |
| Based on swab tests in the community – so excluding places such as hospitals, care homes and prisons – the ONS estimate 373,700 people in England had Covid over the seven day period, or about one in 145 people. That is down from the previous week when the estimate stood at 481,000 people, or one in 115, and the lowest since 2 to 8 October, when one in 160 were estimated to have the disease. | Based on swab tests in the community – so excluding places such as hospitals, care homes and prisons – the ONS estimate 373,700 people in England had Covid over the seven day period, or about one in 145 people. That is down from the previous week when the estimate stood at 481,000 people, or one in 115, and the lowest since 2 to 8 October, when one in 160 were estimated to have the disease. |
| Similar declines were seen around the UK where the proportion of people estimated to be infected in the week ending 19 February stood at one in 225 in Scotland, one in 205 in Wales and one in 195 in Northern Ireland. | Similar declines were seen around the UK where the proportion of people estimated to be infected in the week ending 19 February stood at one in 225 in Scotland, one in 205 in Wales and one in 195 in Northern Ireland. |
| In England, the percentage of people testing positive for the virus, and cases of the more transmissible “Kent variant”, have fallen in all regions apart from Yorkshire and the Humber where the trends are flat, suggesting the lockdown is not having the same impact on the epidemic there as it is elsewhere. | In England, the percentage of people testing positive for the virus, and cases of the more transmissible “Kent variant”, have fallen in all regions apart from Yorkshire and the Humber where the trends are flat, suggesting the lockdown is not having the same impact on the epidemic there as it is elsewhere. |
| The highest rates of infection were estimated to be in the North West with one in 110 infected during the week studied, followed by Yorkshire and the Humber with one in 120 infected. In London, the rate stood at one in 125 with the lowest infections in the South West at one in 240. | The highest rates of infection were estimated to be in the North West with one in 110 infected during the week studied, followed by Yorkshire and the Humber with one in 120 infected. In London, the rate stood at one in 125 with the lowest infections in the South West at one in 240. |
| Meanwhile, the Department of Health and Sage put the latest UK reproduction number, R, at between 0.6 and 0.9 – the same range as last week, adding that the number of new infections was shrinking at 2-6% every day, a slight slowing on last week’s rate of 3-6%. | Meanwhile, the Department of Health and Sage put the latest UK reproduction number, R, at between 0.6 and 0.9 – the same range as last week, adding that the number of new infections was shrinking at 2-6% every day, a slight slowing on last week’s rate of 3-6%. |
| Downing Street has defended the decision not to prioritise key workers such as police officers in the next phase of the coronavirus vaccine rollout. | Downing Street has defended the decision not to prioritise key workers such as police officers in the next phase of the coronavirus vaccine rollout. |
| A No 10 spokesman said: | A No 10 spokesman said: |
| You can read more on this story here: | You can read more on this story here: |
| Festival organisers are enjoying record ticket sales after the government’s announcement of its roadmap out of lockdown, despite uncertainty over what state support exists if last-minute cancellations have to take place. | Festival organisers are enjoying record ticket sales after the government’s announcement of its roadmap out of lockdown, despite uncertainty over what state support exists if last-minute cancellations have to take place. |
| “Lots of our members have seen sale spikes since Monday, which has generated lots of consumer confidence,” said Paul Reed, the chief executive of the Association of Independent Festivals. “There is a huge appetite for live experiences and I don’t think that is surprising. It’s about communal experiences, being outdoors in groups.” | “Lots of our members have seen sale spikes since Monday, which has generated lots of consumer confidence,” said Paul Reed, the chief executive of the Association of Independent Festivals. “There is a huge appetite for live experiences and I don’t think that is surprising. It’s about communal experiences, being outdoors in groups.” |
| Despite the excitement, however, organisers are concerned about the potential of last-minute cancellations, as the coming months are filled with uncertainty. They are calling for a government-backed insurance scheme so that if they have to change plans, they will not lose all their investment. | Despite the excitement, however, organisers are concerned about the potential of last-minute cancellations, as the coming months are filled with uncertainty. They are calling for a government-backed insurance scheme so that if they have to change plans, they will not lose all their investment. |
| Read the full story here: | Read the full story here: |